SVIBOR - Project code: 1-09-034

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Strossmayerov trg 4, HR - 10000 ZAGREB
tel.: +385 1 459 44 44, fax: +385 1 459 44 69
E-mail: ured@znanost.hr

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Project code: 1-09-034


THE ROCK KARSTIFICATION PROCESSES IN THE KARST AREA OF CROATIA


Main researcher: GARAŠIĆ, MLADEN (7250)


Assistants
Type of research: basic
Duration from: 01/01/91. to 12/31/95.
Papers on project (total): 38
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 17
Institution name: Institut građevinarstva Hrvatske, Zagreb (110)
Department/Institute: Institute for geotechnics, Department for rock mechanics and und erground works
Address: Rakušina 1
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)1 6136-444
Phone: 385 (0)1 534-103
Fax: 385 (0)1 534-737
Fax: 385 (0)1 533-889
E-mail: Mladen.Garasic@public.srce.hr
Summary: The karstification as the most complex and intensive geological process today occurring in karst rocks is investigated. The karstification can not be studied as an outside process only (atmospheric influence and tectonic predisposition), but rather as a complex sum of various geological factors (e.g. inverse karstification). Speleological structures (caves and pits) are always present in karst areas and provide an inexhaustible quantity of data used by scientists to gain a better insight into karstification processes. This is due to the fact that the manifestation of karstification processes is the strongest in these structures and, unlike on the surface, this process can thoroughly be observed and monitored. Over 6500 speleological structures have been registered in the Croatian karst, which is in fact a locus tipicus of the world karst areas. An additional insight into the karstification process intensity is obtained by measuring the intensity of tectonic activity in these structures, the ground-water aggressiveness and the influence of discontinuity orientation in various lithostratigraphical environments. In addition to geophysical measurements performed on specially selected locations above speleological structures, the quantitative information on the porosity of various karst rocks (according to their lithostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic properties) is also defined on the basis of ultrasonic and geomechanical testing performed in laboratory on selected rock samples. This porosity is one of indicators of the karstification effect. A deeper karstification is defined through seismic activities (earthquakes and tremors). The karstified rock classification has been made, including test maps with karstification indices that may prove quite useful in the design and construction of civil engineering structures in Croatian karst regions.

Keywords: Karstology, Speleology, Karstification, Karst Hydrogeology, Rocks, Neotectonics, Dinaric Karst Area, Croatian Karst

Research goals: As over 50% of the Croatian territory is covered by karst relief,and considering that this karstland is a locus tipicus of theworld karst areas, the question may be put whether the nature andgenesis of the basic geological process present in this area hassufficiently been investigated. This process may be investigatedon many localities in Croatia, within a relatively small area.The main objective of this study is to define types, intensities,influences, modalities, indices and genesis of karstification inkarst areas. The karstification is not just a form of tectonicmanifestation or a form of rock deformation or weathering due toatmospheric influences, but rather a complex relationship oflithostratigraphic, neopaleotectonic and paleotectonic,hydrogeological, seismological, speleogeological and otherfactors. Our aim is to prepare test maps indicating levels ofrock karstification, which will be of great help in many areas ofscientific research. It is expected that this study willcontribute to geological sciences by providing better insightinto speleological structures being the main benchmarks of paleoand neohydrogeological functions (sinkholes, springs, estavelles,submarine springs, flow structures), by extending knowledge onthe way ground-water influences rock karstification (waterchemism) and by providing additional information about theneotectonic activity and its connection with the seismicity ofindividual areas. In the field of geophysics, significant resultsare expected with respect to the karst-rock classification andthe ground cavity determination. In the area of water supply, itwill be possible to define zones of stronger or weaker rockkarstification, which is quite interesting for water prospectingworks, as ground water occurrence also depends on the intensityof karstification. This study will also contribute toenvironmental protection, as more information on undergroundstreams in karst areas will be available, and can be used toprotect environment against various types of pollution. As acontribution to the construction industry, more accurategeotechnical classification of karstified rocks will beavailable, which will be quite useful in the design andconstruction of greater structures (tunnels, transportationfacilities, reservoirs, bridges, etc.). To facilitate analysis,all data will be computerized.

COOPERATION - PROJECTS


  1. Name of project: 1-09-141 Znanstvena valorizacija krša u Hrvatskoj
    Name of institution: Rudarsko geološko naftni fakultet
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Društvo za istraživanja i snimanja krških fenomena
    Type of institution: Other
    Type of cooperation: Systematic exchange of information
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  2. Name of institution: Hrvatsko speleološko društvo
    Type of institution: Other
    Type of cooperation: Systematic exchange of experts
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS


  1. Name: Izložba "Hrvatska speleologija"
    Type of achievement: Other
    Authors: Mladen Garašić, Roman Ozimec, Tihomir Kovačević, Marina Šimek
Other information about the project.
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